Rarity of 1908 BSA Sparkbrook MkI*.

[Anzac15]

My local gun shop just got in a 1908 Sparkbrook MkI* LE. CR prefixed, so it's an Irish rifle. Unfortunately some bomehead sportered it at some point, but thankfully the barrel hasn't been molested. Asking $299, can probably be had for less. As I understand it, this is one of the rarer manufacturers. In the learned opinions of those here, is this a rifle worthy of restoration?

---------- Post added at 11:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:25 AM ----------

PS, other than the wood, rifle is complete. Charger guide and all.

Information

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[RCS]

Do you have the Mark 1*** with an additional serial number with the prefix CR ? The CR prefix can and were updated to Mark 111, that is you could use a Mark 111 fore-end and nose cap and handguards. The ER prefix is closer to original Mark 1***.

Photos: An Enfield 1906 with the G prefix (third serial) and an original Mark 1***Attachment 45183Attachment 45184 BSA 1906

[Anzac15]

The buttsocket read BSA Sparkbrook MkI*. Was only one star.

---------- Post added at 12:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:30 PM ----------

Oh, and yes. Original serial number was lined out, and the new CR number in it's place.

[Frederick303]

Anzac 15,

I keep a data base of these rifles, could you send me or post the serial number and all markings if possible.

[Anzac15]

Frederick, I will certainly send the serial if I get this rifle. I'm just trying to determine if BSA Sparkbrook is a rare enough manufacturer to invest money on a restoration. I normally don't mess with sporterized rifles, but if it's a pretty desirable rifle, I may just take the plunge.

[Bear43]

I'm just trying to determine if BSA Sparkbrook is a rare enough manufacturer to invest money on a restoration.

If the right side is actually double marked BSA/Sparkbrook then it is an uncommon one. BSA took over Sparkbrook in 1906 and the dual manufacturer was used during the transition. So yes, the dual marked BSA/Sparkbrook rifles are not common. Unfortunately many, including mine, have been sported. Also, did it have "ConDII" stamped on the left side of the butt socket? I ask because if it is still reading I* on the right side then I would expect it to have that mark on the other, which would add a little to the uniqueness. Talk the price down a ways, it's a nice piece to have and it would be easy to restore since the "CR" rifles should be in Mk III configuration anyway.

[jrhead75]

At $299 or less, I would go for it. From what you describe, it could be an interesting one.

[RCS]

first photo of a Mark I** IP converted to Mark 111 in 1917Attachment 45186Attachment 45187Attachment 45188Attachment 45189
second photo shows an early action body with the ConD II*

Also I have seen a BSA 1894 II conversion and marked on the left side Enfield 1908 SHT LE
ConD IV barrel was dated 1928

[Anzac15]

This one is indeed BSA/Sparkbrook marked. No ConD marking. If it's still there Friday, I do believe I'm going to get it.

[RCS]

Not a difficult restoration, be sure and check the barrel for HV or SC markings behind the rear sight, you barrel might not be chambered for the Mark VII but for the Mark VI (my ConD 11* pictured above is for the Mark VI cartridge) you can also look at the rear sight from the side. Also check for a barleycorn front sight too